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• Cefovecin

  Cefovecin (brand name: Convenia®) is a cephalosporin antibiotic used off label in cats and dogs for skin infections, periodontal disease, and urinary tract infections. It has also been used as a part of outpatient treatment for parvovirus and other bacterial infections. Cefovecin is given by injection under the skin.

• Cefpodoxime

  Cefpodoxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat skin infections in dogs. It is also used off-label in cats and to treat other types of infection. It is given orally in tablet or liquid form. Side effects are uncommon.

• Cephalexin

  Cephalexin (brand names Rilexine®, Keflex®, Vetolexin®) is an oral antibiotic used to treat pyoderma and other bacterial skin infections in dogs and is used off label (extra-label) in cats, horses, ferrets, reptiles, and birds to treat pyoderma and some other skin infections. It is sometimes used off label (extra label) to treat some urinary tract infections in cats and dogs.

• Ceramides

  Ceramides are naturally occurring lipid (fat) molecules that make up a large portion of the outer skin layer. Ceramide skin care products are available as over-the-counter veterinary products in various topical forms. They are used to help manage skin conditions in dogs, cats, and other animals. Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health products in pets.

• Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Cats

  Cerebellar hypoplasia is a developmental condition in which the cerebellum of the brain fails to develop properly. It most commonly occurs when a pregnant cat becomes infected with feline panleukopenia virus and passes the infection to her unborn kittens. There is no treatment, but kittens with cerebellar hypoplasia are not infectious to other kittens or cats, are not in any pain, and will learn to adapt to their disability over time.

• Cervical Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs

  The intervertebral discs allow movement in the spine and act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. If the disc degenerates or is damaged in some way, the disc may bulge and put pressure on the spinal cord and/or the roots of the spinal nerves that come off the sides of the spinal cord. This pressure can cause symptoms ranging from severe pain to weakness to paralysis.

• Cetirizine

  Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Reactine®) is an antihistamine used off label to treat and prevent pruritus (itching) associated with atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and insect bite reactions in cats and dogs. It may also be used for respiratory allergy symptoms.

• Chagas Disease in Dogs

  This handout summarizes Chagas disease in dogs. Caused by a protozoal parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, it is spread by the bite of infected insects or ingestion of infected insects and rodents. The clinical signs of the condition, along with its treatment, prevention, and risk to human health are outlined.

• Chameleon Diseases

  Chameleons may be affected by a variety of medical conditions. A swollen abdomen needs attention by a veterinarian in case of possible egg retention. Swollen joints are most likely an indication of uric acid deposits, a condition called articular gout. Chameleons with poor perching ability and/or abnormal leg angles likely have metabolic bone disease. Swellings of the tissue around the eyes is common and needs proper treatment, possibly surgery, to correct.

• Chediak-Higashi Syndrome in Cats

  Chediak-Higashi Syndrome is a rare genetic disease of smoke-blue Persian cats. The condition affects how the body processes waste products, resulting in changes within the body’s cells and leading to abnormal pigmentation of the skin and coat. The condition can lead to eye abnormalities and problems with blood clotting, but most cats can have a normal lifespan with careful health monitoring.